A project by local mums’ group Women of Wandsworth (WoW) is bringing together older and younger generations over tea and board games to learn from each other and forge new friendships – at the same time as sharing vital health information and beating social isolation.
The sessions have received funding from NHS South West London’s winter engagement programme aimed at sparking good conversations about health and wellbeing in communities.
By bonding elderly people from sheltered accommodation with children, this project has given them the opportunity to connect.”
WoW runs activities that help families, strengthen communities and offer a better start for children.
Group founder Senia Dedic (pictured centre above) explained: “We started an intergenerational project in 2010 to solve the problem of isolation and loneliness in older people in Wandsworth. But we soon realised that our children can also feel isolated.
“Many live far away from their extended family and miss the joy of learning from a grandparent about their history. By bonding elderly people from sheltered accommodation with children, this project has given them the opportunity to connect.
“Children especially love teaching older people digital tips and tricks on their phones.”
Coffee mornings, lunches, pub visits and barbeques have been held to bring the generations together. According to Senia, the gatherings have broken down barriers. For example, some of the older people felt frightened about young people in hoodies. But having teenagers serve them lunch wearing their normal gear helped overcome their fears.
The neighbourhood welcomed me and I have made friends with neighbours through the project.”
Children from local schools now meet up regularly with older people to enjoy art, chess, scrabble and other board games.
Irene (main picture, right) who is from Ukraine, explained: “I love talking to the children to learn English when I am living so far apart from my family. The neighbourhood welcomed me and I have made friends with neighbours through the project.”
Senia’s work in the community has received royal recognition and last year she received an MBE. Her work during the pandemic, helping to coordinate a community-wide response to ensure families received enough food and basic supplies is still continuing.
Find out more on the WoW website.